Aug 4

Tom. July 11th, in his backyard in New Jersey. Father, fighter, lover of photography.

In his words:

In March of 2005, after a long battle with nine herniations in my spine, surgery to remove two of them had to be done. The surgery was a complete success and as soon as I awoke from the 10 hour operation, I began to look forward to my life with my son, Jared. Finally, I would not be stuck to a bed, couch or wheelchair. E ven when I could not walk or play with my son or make him breakfast, I never let a negative thought in my mind. I had nothing but a positive attitude and knew what I was up against. Thankfully, the odds seemed pretty darn good in my favor.

It was perhaps just two weeks later, after the intense yet very successful surgery, that some very strange things started to happen. Severe cramps, shocks throughout my body, stuttering and, well, a buffet of conditions that are simply too long to write about. We were concerned not only with blood clots forming, but it seemed that something had gone wrong during the surgery. These conditions went one for months. I endured dozens of painful tests and numerous cocktails of different medications to see what would curtail these symptoms, all to no avail. Finally an MRI of both brain and spinal cord revealed to all of us that the trauma of the surgery had awoken a dormant condition in my body that carried the label “MS”.

Now, after three years of being a warrior fighting MS, I was losing. This was impossible for me to accept, as I have a 12 year old son to raise and teach all the things that he needs to know about being a good man. I want to show him how to treat people fairly , how to have passion for what he chooses (no matter what it is) and most of all, how to have kindness in his heart. But the MS was getting the better of me and I was giving up hope. Quite frankly, I was becoming tired of fighting it. It was both embarrassing and painful to have to tell my son ” no” all the time. I began to think of ways to fight harder and could not come up with anything. Being somewhat of a serious hobby photographer, I tried to turn my vision of fighting into a picture and failed continually. My pictures kept reminding me that I had MS, not that I was fighting for a cause to be able to raise Jared. Then I had a thought of making a picture, my son and I in the foreground with all my dozens of MRI’s behind us . To me, somehow this would say “no matter what, I will win and raise this boy”. The problem was, I had no idea how to take this picture.

Every morning I would wake up with this photo in my mind. I never felt more strongly about anything that would help me continue to fight and give me renewed strength and cause to go on.

Like so many photographers, I had recently purchased Joe McNally’s book, “The Moment It Clicks”. The idea came to mind to just write to him, share my vision and see if he could guide me into making this picture. I explained all of this in an email to Joe. At that point, I figured I had nothing to lose by asking. Several days later, I received an email back from Joe that very simply stated , “let’s do this”. One week later, Joe and his first assistant, Brad Moore , arrived at my humble town-home and began to set up an actual studio in my backyard. I couldn’t stay outside in the heat too much to watch. However, when I walked out of my home, it was as if I walked into an indoor professional studio that was part of the house. It seemed that, after some discussion with Joe and his studio manager, Lynn, he realized my vision exactly and they worked together to come up with ideas to make this picture. In order to execute this picture, Joe and his entire staff asked me the right questions and listened to my thoughts . They helped me turn my vision into a picture.

What Joe and his staff did not know is, that while I have the willingness to fight, I was losing hope. Living in pain every moment takes it’s toll. I was beginning to live in a very dark place.

I’m still pretty new to blogging, and truth be told, I enjoy it. I went to school thinking I’d be a sports writer, covering some basketball beat for a metro daily, trying to infuse the big biz of modern sports with a bit of old timey Frazier-to-DeBusschere-to-Bradley-to-Reed-SLAMDUNK-YES! feeling. You know, that kind of high school, chest thumping love of team that had your ear glued to a AM/FM transistor radio at night instead of your eyes glued to your physics workbook. (Thank goodness Clyde didn’t go away altogether. He’s in the broadcast booth, still boundin’ and astoundin’….)

I switched it up in school and ended up a photog. (Mom was not pleased.) I’ve had my eye in a lens quite happily for, oh, 25 plus years now. But life is funny. I wrote a book, and now I’ve got a blog. And I find myself writing about what I shoot, as well as tossing in a few sidebar rants and raves.

I met Tom because of this blog. When he floated the notion of doing the picture, I said yes, for lots of reasons. It might be a photo that would do somebody some good, for one. Of course, another is, plain and simple, I like time behind the camera. I love shooting pictures. Even in the middle of a hot one in Jersey in July.

The other deal always in the back of my head is the challenge of it. Could we build this thing at high noon, shoot CLS with small strobes ( a mix of SB800 and 900), make it work, make the lights trigger and get it done in a way that might come close to Tom’s imagination? I thought we had a chance.

I took it in steps:

Fix the sun so Tom could stand in shade, and my lights would have a prayer. Tabletop a 12×12 solid on 4 stands. SOP. Check.

Backlight the MRIs. Best way to backlight stuff like this is to first wash your background lights off a reflective surface (white no-seam is good). Use a cross light technique. Right side lights aim to the left side of the drop, and left side lights aim for the right. They cross over the middle that way, and hopefully produce a surface that is even within a third of a stop. (If you pump the background lights into their respective near sides, the sides get heated up and the center goes dead. Not good.) Likewise it is tough to just aim your lights at the plexi without first bouncing it off something big and flat. If you use 4 lights, you’ll most likely get 4 hot spots. It’ll drive you nuts. Re-direction is key here. Bounce ’em and you’ll save money on all that Advil for location driven headaches.

Okay, seamless is up, and lit. Just like in the doc’s office, MRIs read best off of white plexi. Lynn hunted for a 6′ square, but tough to get and pricey, so we made do with two odd sized pieces butted together horizontally and seamed with clear packing tape. Bogen super clamps did the rest of the job, along with A clamps. Those two pieces stand behind the subject, about 2′ in front of the (hopefully) glowing seamless paper drop.

Arranged the MRIs, lit them with 4 bounced SB800 units, went to the camera, made an exposure, and hoped for the best. We got backlight. And, in intense sun, from about 30 feet, we got sensor pickup. Okay, hurdle cleared.

Next deal, light Tom. Boomed a reflected umbrella, with the skin still on it to control spill. Okay light, but got a splashy high light on the reflective MRIs.

Moved in a Lastolite panel, up high and between the umbrella and the plexi, and draped it in black material. That cut out a lot of light flying towards the background.

Now Tom. Quality of light works, but just works. Gotta snap him with a bit more edge. I’m constrained cause the whole bloody back of the picture is reflective. Okay, small source. Do this a lot actually. Snoot an SB unit (used to use blackwrap, now I use Honl snoots). Move it into the subject’s face as close as the frame will allow. Power way down to just a flick of light. (There’s a setting called “flick” isn’t there?) Little pop of light, and your subject’s face snaps to. You can just about see this unit, an SB900 zoomed out to 200mm, on the right side of my frame, just below the umbrella.

That technique is killer, by the way. You don’t really alter the quality of overall light in your subject’s face, but you do ramp up the contrast, and sharpen the edge where highlight rotates into shadow. Think of it as moving the contrast slider in Photoshop, only much more fun!

Closing with this one. Suburban scene. Tom, Jared, a wagon, a gate, grass, bushes, trees, and then, jarringly, the MRIs. Medical dispatches from the interior, telling Tom things he never wanted to hear. They stand there, silent, yet at the same time screaming like a siren in the midst of the backyard bird chatter. Through sheer effort of will and a determination to see Jared through to stuff like his first car, his first college class, his first good job, and maybe, a couple of grandkids, Tom’s gonna fight this thing. Hopefully, we made a picture that day that will hang on his wall and remind him that he’s still in the game.

on August 4, 2008 at 7:30 am

Joe says:

on August 4, 2008 at 7:31 am

on August 4, 2008 at 7:49 am

Joe (and Tom),

Being an MS patient myself, I must admit that this post (especially Tom’s intro), touched me more than any blog post has done before. I’m not nearly as badly hit as Tom obviously is, but it still struck a deeply resonating chord.

The thought, the concept, the story, the picture. As always, Joe, well done. Great imagery and a great post.

And Tom, to quote Nietzsche: He who has a why to live can bear almost any how…

on August 4, 2008 at 8:03 am

Way cool Joe. My mom has MS…..

I did a picture similar to this for a friend recovering from breast cancer. A partial nude after surgery. Obviously it is not posted anywhere for people to see, but if you would like to see it let me know and I can set up a private gallery on my website for you. I would love to do a book of breast cancer survivors, just pics, and donate the proceeds to Breast Cancer research.

anyway, this just proves that not only are you a great photographer, but a great person as well.

on August 4, 2008 at 8:52 am

on August 4, 2008 at 9:13 am

Tom – keep on fighting! It’s great to see that Joe was able to make your vision a reality!

Joe – I’m speechless and amazed with the shot!

Martin says:

on August 4, 2008 at 9:33 am

This is an incredible story. Joe, you are a fantastic person and may life reward you a million times over for your kindness. Tom, I wish you all the best and hope you find the strength you need to continue fighting your disease.

Martin

Alessandro Rosa says:

on August 4, 2008 at 10:08 am

Joe,

You may be an amazing photographer, but that talent doesn’t even come close to the amount of compassion that you have. You are truly an amazing human being.

on August 4, 2008 at 11:13 am

Absolutely fantastic that you did this for Tom and his son. As a father myself I know what it means to do everything in your power to be there for your kids. Joe, I truly hope that the power of your image will help Tom overcome his ailment. Well done.

Bret says:

on August 4, 2008 at 11:17 am

Technically, this process was fascinating but the significance is the ability of a picture to be more than asthetically pleasing. Images are about life…how cool is it to create an image that can help even just one person draw closer with the will to live and experience.

Inspiration created in the ordinary locations through technique and human interest. You truly have another “Moment That Clicked…”

on August 4, 2008 at 11:22 am

Outstanding story and photo. Thank you for sharing. I am raising money for this year’s Bike MS NYC (http://www.bikenyc.org) event to help fund research for MS. My cousin who suffers from MS, Tom, and Jared and thousands of others living through this disease are why I am ride. Your photo and Tom’ story have re-doubled my resolve.

Frank Tuttle says:

on August 4, 2008 at 11:51 am

Amazing. Gripping. Life fulfilling & enriching. Joe – thanks for taking the time to helping out a total stranger – and taking the time to share both sides. Tom’s fight with pain and MS are felt both in his writing and within the pictures.

on August 4, 2008 at 12:49 pm

After reading this entry and the Adorama one, I’m really sorry that you won’t be at the San Juan DLSW; not only so that I can learn from you but, more importantly, so that I can shake your hand.

There are plenty of talented people in the world, even in the world of photography, but you are one of only a very few that I see who is giving back in ways other than teaching your skills.

Thank you.

Steve

PS I’ve swithched to and ordered from Adorama based on that blog entry (tell them, I did).. Others will get my businsess only if it is not an Adorama product.

Stanley Snyder says:

on August 4, 2008 at 1:08 pm

Thank you for making this story available. It is a wonderful lesson. Since none of us know when our time will come, we should take heed of Tom’s strong desire to teach his son what he wants to impart as soon as we can. My son Jeff, who also has MS, but a mild version so far, speaks so highly of you and has shared your website with me. Magnificent work.

on August 4, 2008 at 2:21 pm

I guess at times we are all guilty of feeling sorry for ourselves for whatever reason .. believing that the challenges we are facing are worse than anything, but there are always those worse off.

I remember once being told that if you had a group of people together and each wrote down on a piece of paper their worries / concerns / problems, then put all those pieces of paper into a bowl and each took it in turn to pull one out … you’d end up wanting your own back.

Joe, as a reader above wrote, not only are you a wonderful photographer, you’re a wonderful person … you clearly have a big heart!!!

on August 4, 2008 at 2:40 pm

That´s what I love reading this blog, learn and share !!!

Thanks Joe

Ben Olivares

jeff Tamagini says:

on August 4, 2008 at 2:50 pm

Joe,

Amazing post, and an amazing thing that you did for Tom. As someone with a Mom that has MS this one really hit me where it counts. Keep those blogs coming they are my real inspiration for my photography

on August 4, 2008 at 3:11 pm

on August 4, 2008 at 3:33 pm

Very moving,

The one outstanding thing that made me want to go pro was in Iraq a young medic who was serving with me was having a hard time because of her mother. Her mom was missing her daughter and was worried to death, this affected the young soldier. After talking to her I found out that she was from a poor family from a rough housing estate in Liverpool, they could not afford family photos. I then photographed the medic working, on patrol treating Iraqi kids who had been injured. I then arranged for the prints to be sent to her mom. Overnight the young medic became a different person, the photos were pride of place for mom and were shown to the whole neighborhood. Seeing her smile made me become a pro not for the money but to make a difference.

Its not about the money, fame or notoriety, its the difference you make when you take an image.

So Joe you did a good thing, a beacon of hope for that family. I wish them well and hope that Jared sees his father as a proud grandparent.

Blessings to all

Rich

John J says:

on August 4, 2008 at 3:52 pm

Thanks for such a moving story and fantastic “how to” all in one. Tom, best wishes to you. Hang in there…

Joe – I’m sure you get hundereds of emails. Thanks for being so involved, and down to earth. My sense is that with you, it’s not just about your work, but a real interest in helping the people you come in contact with. I imagine that’s what makes you so successful, and much more than a well known professional photog that takes amazing images.

on August 4, 2008 at 4:02 pm

Jay says:

on August 4, 2008 at 4:10 pm

on August 4, 2008 at 4:28 pm

Been MD myself, I always admire courage and strong will of the MS patients. Tom, very best wishes to you also from my side! And for Joe – used to study hard in my medical profession, in my amateur photography studying your lighting techniques was neither but a joy. Thanks for sharing.

kathyt says:

on August 4, 2008 at 4:49 pm

Mr. McNally — you are just way to cool!!! Thanks for the great post, lighting information and pictures!! And a few prayers for Tom. thanks kathyt

nando says:

on August 4, 2008 at 5:56 pm

Tom, best of luck and wishes. Joe, this is a great one. A really great one.

Thanks a lot for sharing this.

Tom Marriage says:

on August 4, 2008 at 6:15 pm

Tom you are giving your son one of the best role models I have ever seen. Jared you have a wonderful Dad & I’m sure he is very proud of you. Stay strong Tom.

Joe thank you for showing such compassion. Just giving Tom some suggestions on making his photo would have been a very nice act. You went way above and beyond. All the best to you and your crew.

on August 4, 2008 at 7:58 pm

I am so touched by this story and I am so glad that I have gotten to meet you and Jared…. We really didn’t have a lot of time to chat while we where shooting, but I hope we can at our next event. ~Renee

Tim Hurley says:

on August 4, 2008 at 9:44 pm

Joe: At the 2007 Yosemite DLWS, after your very moving presentation, I asked you how you stay detached when looking at such human drama through your lens. You said, “that’s just it, you don’t”. This piece brought that all back to me. Thanks for helping me remember. You’re a good man.

on August 4, 2008 at 10:34 pm

I’m dropping in at #45 here and there’s not much to be said. Several days later, I received an email back from Joe that very simply stated , “let’s do this”.

That right there says it all to me. “Let’s do this..” means let’s set it up great and get behind the lens. I’m new to all this, and don’t know a strobe from a c-clamp, but it’s this type of thing that gives me motivation to learn and experiment. This isn’t one high-faluten’ pro shooter with a dozen assistants and a SI cover model to shoot – this is one man, a good assistant and a strong studio manager making it all happen for one guy in Jersey.

Sam Tran says:

on August 4, 2008 at 11:24 pm

Hi Joe,

It’s no wonder why you are so blessed with the talents. It’s not just Tom that you bring some sunshine into his life, you have shared with us all long with this blog, seminars, workshops, and your books… Keep it up & God bless.

on August 5, 2008 at 1:27 am

Joe,

Everyone has said it all before me, nothing I can say will add to the humanistic and photographic inspiration of this post.

When I view your images for the first time, I try to reverse engineer the lighting setup. Its an interesting exercise and I have learned a lot by doing it. There is a slash of light on Tom’s right jaw line, but I cannot see where it is coming from. Can you give us a hint?

Thanks again,

Jay

Rob Brown says:

on August 5, 2008 at 1:29 am

I hate to sound like a broken record, but this is great post. i always get excited when my email tells me you posted a new blog but this one stands out a bit. Amazing photography and a great story. Hang in there Tom, you have alot to keep fighting for. And Joe, thanks for the details. Be good!

Mike Nelson Pedde says:

on August 5, 2008 at 1:34 am

Tom: This may or may not work for you, but you might want to see if there’s a Taoist Tai Chi Society club in your area. Tai chi is, at its essence, a martial art, but the Taoist tai chi style was developed by Master Moy Lin Shin specifically to target health benefit and health improvement. My wife Marcia and I used to be instructors in the society and during that time we saw many people with a host of diseases including MS, MD, Parkinson’s, ankylosing spondylitis, cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis and others either reduce or eliminate their need for medication by doing tai chi. It’s not a ‘magic pill’ – it only works if you practice it regularly. The Taoist Tai Chi Society also has a ‘special needs’ club for people with different medical conditions. Doing tai chi will strengthen the tendons and ligaments, work the joints, strengthen the muscles, work the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, improve balance, and a host of other things. Of course you should check with your doctor first, but it’s quite probable s/he will recommend it. If you can walk you can do tai chi, and if you can’t walk you can do tai chi in a wheelchair. For two people I’ve known, practicing tai chi helped them walk again. Check them out at http://www.taoist.org

on August 5, 2008 at 2:40 am

Simply a beautiful story. Goof on ya Joe. Hang in there Tom!

Daniel K says:

on August 5, 2008 at 2:58 am

Hi Joe, Love your work.However, this one is not about you.Having a 9year old son myself as well as the fact that my wife is going in-to hospital today,i know what Tom is going through.Hang in there Tom and fight it with all you have! You are in our prayers.Remember God have a plan with everything-how ,crual it might sound to us.Your boy will be a great man-no doubt,you tought him that allready! Thanks for all your help and info through this blog,Joe.

Mark C says:

on August 5, 2008 at 4:09 am

Tom – Our thoughts are with you. Keep fighting.

Joe – You’re a mensch.

Steve Johnston says:

on August 5, 2008 at 4:27 am

Truly moving and inspirational story Joe. You are one of a kind! Best of luck to Tom and his family.

on August 5, 2008 at 5:47 am

A very moving story, Joe. You really are a visual poet and a great storyteller.

Tom says:

on August 5, 2008 at 7:09 am

Good Morning. I did not want to write here because this place is about Joe’s art, professionalism and teachings. Also, because I can tell you that Joe is a VERY humble man in fact as he is reading this he is already wondering if he should post this. (Joe, if you don’t, when the weather cools I can travel North) When I first met Joe he, with the shyness of a boy, bowed his head and said in a low voice “I’m just a guy with a camera.”

But, after reading your comments I am very overwhelmed and want to thank each one of you for such heartfelt comments. MS, like so many other invasions to our bodies is triggered by stress, the opposite happens when joy is introduced as it is with me when this blog went up and I read your comments.

That is the power of the picture.

I have my own way of thanking Lynn, Brad and Joseph but we want to Thank you so very much. Tom and Jared.

on August 5, 2008 at 3:10 pm

on August 5, 2008 at 3:44 pm

Joe, thank you for such a great post. Your whole team are to be commended for showing such compassion and kindness. Sometimes you just read something and it goes much further inside you than you are used to, and restores your faith in humanity. i have just watched the news and every thing was so bleek. this story really helps to put things in perspective.

Tom, may the Lord bless you and your family and work a miracle in you life. Be strong and have faith.

on August 5, 2008 at 3:46 pm

on August 5, 2008 at 5:22 pm

on August 5, 2008 at 5:34 pm

Dear Mr. McNally,

I have been a fan and follower of yours for some time. I love, “The Moment It Clicks” and while I’m an absolute amateur, do enjoy the process – even if my shots are yet another great exposure of the floor. Your humor and good nature are a gift and your work is truly inspirational!

But this time, your act moved me beyond any of your photographs!

I think you’re awesome – hope to meet you in Vegas this September (if I can manage to make it)!

Tom, you are amazing! The photo idea was fantastic! Now, I know this is going to sound like nonsense, but if your reading this – Please contact me. I have a friend who’s dealt with MS and has a simple yet effective way to combat the pain and symptoms. I’d like to share some info with you.

on August 5, 2008 at 5:52 pm

Wonderfulllll!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris Homan says:

on August 5, 2008 at 7:49 pm

Tom, you are quite the man. I sincerely admire how you are fighting to be able to raise your son the best way possible under those testing circumstances. Your son will do just fine with an example like you!

To Joe and his staff, thank you for showing this wonderful example of humanity. The world needs this now more than ever. This was a truly inspirational, unselfish act. Thank you all!

Bill Moore says:

on August 5, 2008 at 9:46 pm

Joe, thanks for sharing so much info with us in this blog and your books…looking at your frames in “At the moment it Clicks” opens up a world of possibilities to this rank amateur…I love to look at photos, but yours are just downright exciting, and they make be want to learn how to take better photos. Thanks for showing us how your art can help folks, as in this truly remarkable blog entry about Tom…

on August 5, 2008 at 10:59 pm

on August 6, 2008 at 2:40 am

Tom and Jared and Joe, thank you for sharing your story and the set up of your portrait. My son was 14 when I was diagnosed with MS. Photography became my therapy when I found I could no longer control a paintbrush without pain. It took many years to arrive at my diagnosis, but everyday, I still get a thrill when I hear my son comment on a photo from behind me as I post-process or asks for a print of one. I have a long way to go to reach any level of perfection, but it is wonderful to find a creative outlet.

Thank you again for sharing.,.. Tom, you are an inspiration!

Richie Owens says:

on August 6, 2008 at 7:15 am

All the best to Tom and his family.

It’s great to see that someone (You Joe) is willing to get out there and meet someone just from an email. I know there is probably alot of photogs at the top of their game which wouldn’t. So good on you Joe (The People’s Photog!)

April Andrews says:

on August 6, 2008 at 1:51 pm

on August 6, 2008 at 2:41 pm

Joe- You’re much more than just a photographer. Most photographers only take pictures, you make a difference.

Best, JQ

Firggy says:

on August 6, 2008 at 3:05 pm

Joe – you are the man!!! Thanks for doing this for Tom.

David Stark says:

on August 6, 2008 at 5:27 pm

Thank you Joe for taking the “Light” to the people.

Pat W says:

on August 6, 2008 at 7:55 pm

Joe – I’ve always admired your photography, but never more than now. Thank you for doing this for Tom. You are a good man.

Tyler Rogers says:

on August 6, 2008 at 9:09 pm

There are some days when I ask myself why I take photos? There are days when I fight with myself – what do I want to say with my photos?

Recently, it’s started to become clearer to myself – something that matters. something that makes a difference. something that means something to people.

and then I read that post. About how fragile life really is, how so many of us take it for granted. and how a photograph can move so many people. Tom, his family, the readers here, and anyone who sees the photograph and reads the story.

You are a hero among men, Joe. in a world of darkness and greed, you are one who shines, and gives us all hope. A job well done.

on August 7, 2008 at 8:11 am

on August 7, 2008 at 9:29 am

Joe This may have been the most important shot of your life ( it was certainly his)… Sometimes we find that the defining moment of our lives is to have meaning in someone elses.

Daniel Kulbacki says:

on August 7, 2008 at 1:04 pm

Real photographers can capture a feeling. Another fantastic picture Joe and great Idea Tom. My Mom suffers from that same terrable illness.

Diane says:

on August 7, 2008 at 1:05 pm

Joe, YOU ROCK! I’ve know ever since I got your book that you were a very special guy. You talent is amazing, but your compassion is the GREATEST!

Tom, keep on fighting. As you can see, you can surmount great obstacles. Jared is a lucky young man to have a dad with such determination. I fully understand you determination to teach your son the right things…and you are doing just that.

on August 7, 2008 at 3:59 pm

Thank you for bringing hope back. Through your willingness you’ve touched more than just one person.

Elizabeth Douglas says:

on August 7, 2008 at 4:00 pm

Just wanted to let you know that I that I think what you have done here is AWESOME!! I am a wife and a mother of 3 boys, as well as a fellow MSer. My dad is also a photographer (retired) so I truely can understand all the work it took to make this WORK. I love all of the pictures but mostly the one with you and your son (Tom). Thanks for sharing this on the WebMD site. I have shared it with other friends of mine on another MS site.

Keep your chin up and hang in there. Blessings to you and your families!

-EJ mom to Nathan 12 , Ryan 11 (aka Frog) Wife to Gary and step-mom to Brady 10 Take Life as it comes, at your own pace… one day, one hour, even one minute at a time!

Jeri Mearns says:

on August 8, 2008 at 12:46 am

Tom – thank you for sharing this personal moment. It makes us all remember what’s really important in life.

Joe – thank you for helping Tom make it happen. And sharing it with us.

on August 8, 2008 at 11:37 am

In a world where so many people seem intent on grabbing headlines, it is nice to read about people who support each other in quiet yet meaningful ways. As always, I couldn’t be more impressed Joe.

Tom, my prayers are with you and your family. You are providing a great example for your son. God bless.

Mikey says:

on August 8, 2008 at 7:10 pm

This is what photography is about …

Daniel Gomes says:

on August 8, 2008 at 7:26 pm

Such an amazing and inspiring story… It really puts thing into perspective I think. And the way you helped this man to accomplish is vision speaks volumes about the kind of person you are, once again, I feel inspired by your actions and the way photography can make a difference in peoples lives!

on August 8, 2008 at 8:49 pm

Joe,

You make me proud to be an Irishman laddy!

Jeff

Bob says:

on August 9, 2008 at 12:00 pm

Great shot as always and a reflective story.

Two things though.

(a) On the sketch, I think you’ve missed a flash off the drawing which was fired camera left to the rear of the guy to separate him from the background? Or was it just spill from the rear flood lights?

and (b) every time I read your story behind the image I am impressed at the approach to time you have. There is never a feeling of panic or urgency which can over run us and spoil the picture out of fear of ‘wasting too much time’.

Love your work and as a result spent a small fortune here in the UK importing Honi gear. Great kit though, and now I’ve added more of home made kit.

on August 10, 2008 at 6:55 am

on August 10, 2008 at 2:41 pm

I have watched my best friend go through back surgery’s for 5 years. Then get incorrectly diagnosed with MS, only to find out a month ago that he has ALS. This story absolutely brought tears to my eyes as I saw my best friend standing with that same pride as Tom

on August 10, 2008 at 11:32 pm

Joe : as always – your writing and humanity come together into what is truly the heart of your work and vision. Thanks so much for sharing!!

Denise and Erik Johnson says:

on August 11, 2008 at 6:59 am

Tom is a new found friend of ours and we are very happy to have him as a friend. We may not have known him long but we can tell he is a wonderful person and an awesome Dad. We feel sad that he is going through this but he is a Warrior and these pictures could not illustrate that better. The pictures and story works so well together to tell his story and ‘help’ others who are going through the same thing with MS. We really admire Tom and wish him the very best. But we also admire someone such as Joe for taking the time to tell Tom’s story to help others with theirs.

on August 11, 2008 at 1:30 pm

Thank you, Joe……thank you!

debbi smirnoff says:

on August 11, 2008 at 11:16 pm

Question about the light- picture 6 shows the man entirely lit perfectly..you said you wanted his face to pop. You added a snooted sb800 to his face with a Honi. Why is his torso black in picture 7? Did you gobo something and not say? Did you power down the umbie? just adding lite to his face would over expose it…..I’m missing a step. Debbi

on August 13, 2008 at 2:41 am

Allandavisjr says:

on August 13, 2008 at 3:31 am

Joe–great picture, great concept, heartwarming story. Thank you.

Tom–don’t give up hope.

My wife was diagnosed with MS a couple of years ago. We’ve found a variety of things that trigger flare-ups…and one medication, Low Dose Naltrexone, that gives your body a fighting chance. My wife and I will be glad to share what we’ve found and answer any questions we can.

Joe, is there any way I can leave an email address so Tom can reach me, without advertising it across the whole of the internet?

on August 14, 2008 at 9:47 am

on August 14, 2008 at 1:46 pm

I have to say after I read this story, I had to take a moment before going to details and adjust myself to learning mode. It was a touching story and this shows how powerful can one picture be, when you know the whole context. Thank you for sharing this all to us.

on September 15, 2008 at 9:34 am

on October 15, 2008 at 9:08 am

I think about you and Brad often Joe. My son and I speak of you and Brad often. Not only because of what you have done for Jared and I, but because of the person you are, the Father you are and Dare I say, the friend you are. I come back here when I need to, today I need to. I need to see what others do for each other, I need to see how some know how to pay it forward and I need to read how I want to fight, how I can fight and most of all how I need to fight. I know this is a old thread now and won’t be read, but I needed, today, to read the comments. Joe, I needed your work today on my wall more then ever, it brought me back to this thread and for another hour, I’ll be ok. Perhaps one hour is all I need to get me to 1 day or 1 week. It’s the power of the picture Joe, it’s the power of paying it forward. OK, enuf’ girly talk, how ’bout dem Giants?

on June 1, 2009 at 11:45 am

Last night I was reading the hot shoe diaries, excellent book by the way, and I got to this picture and the whole story behind it. Very moving story here detailed. Joe, as usual a great pic, and very well captured Tom’s heroic efforts and love to his son. Tom, as an MS patient this story was very personal. I know that every patient is different, and the relapses may hit us in various ways. Some have crisis’ every now and then, maybe months, weeks or even years. One thing that has been life changing for me is following a strict diet. It has helped me to keep my life as normal as possible, obviously with certain limitations but none of which to stop me. Keep up with the fight! Is there any way of contacting you to give you more details of this diet I’m following? you can contact me via e-mail to swilson@vtr.net

on August 25, 2009 at 4:06 am

Oh, not knowing you at all (I’m a newcomer to your blog), this was equally sad as encouraging to read. You are truly gifted, both in mind and spirit. What a portrait that became, like a great chief. Thanks!

Lonnit says:

on February 18, 2010 at 7:06 pm

Joe, I was at your NYC seminar a few mo ago (you were wonderful and have inspired me!!! Thank you!) While there, of course I ordered your book. I just read the chapter about Tom and his MS and I wanted to pass on some info that might help him. I would strongly recommend that he go to a website called http://www.KnowTheCause.com. It’s all about how fungal infection can cause all sorts of disorders, including MS. The fact that Tom had surgery, he was probably put on some very strong antibiotics. Antibiotics are mycotoxins – fungal poison. Remember from elementary school that penicillin is mold? It doesn’t seem shocking that the antibiotics could have put him over the top, letting fungus already existing in his body to grow wildly out of control, resulting in the MS rearing its ugly head.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Tom took a look at his history and found strong exposure to mold, (maybe he was even exposed to it in the sand – Desert Storm(?) playing around at the beach and burying himself in the sand(?) high antibiotic use(?) etc. in his past, or maybe he’s just near the Jersey shore where it’s damp and mold is prevelent.

Anyway, I just had to write and ask you to pass this info on to him because it could very well save his quality of life. You were incredible to go shoot that session with him. What a guy! A hero! I’m loving the book – the info is great and your fun-loving personality shines through in the colorful language! LOL! Keep up the great work!

on March 15, 2010 at 11:49 am

on April 7, 2010 at 3:26 pm

fantastic. Tom is such an inspiration to me. Slowly getting to know him thru my org and facebook. Truly an amazing human.

Pete says:

on March 26, 2012 at 6:50 pm

Hey Joe, just wondering if you have had any contact with Tom. He used to be a fairly prolific poster on apug and he has not posted in nearly two years. I also can’t seem to reach him by email. I never met Tom but we have exchanged some very pleasant online conversations in the past. I never knew you shot this for him, I just happened to find it in a google search for his name. Super stand up work Joe, this is why you’re the best.

on September 25, 2012 at 6:00 am

Chiming in with Pete on here. Tom seems to have disappeared from Facebook, and emails haven’t gotten any response. I haven’t spoken with him since earlier this spring, and I’m a little worried.

I met Tom at one of Joe’s Dobb’s Ferry workshops, and it was great to strike up a friendship with him without even knowing any of this story. I hope he’s well and simply too busy for the Internet, but his last updates were facing challenges.

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The thoughts, notions, and ideas here come from thirty five years in the field as a shooter. Twenty five on the road for National Geographic. Life staffer. Sports Illustrated contractor. 60 countries. 50 states. Read on, and welcome to my blog.